Bruce Banner and General Thunderbolt Ross in an unusual friendly manner, overlook the destruction of Hulkbuster Base by the Devastator (last issue). Despite the destruction, Ross is pleased that Banner is not turning back into the Hulk after receiving the Devastator blasts. But Banner does not have his hopes high, fearing any tension would bring back the monster. Ross is hopeful a cure can be found for Banner.
The pair climbs aboard a S.H.I.E.L.D. helicopter and meet with Betty Ross, Nick Fury, and Clay Quartermain along with other military leaders. They discuss the liberation of Glenn Talbot from a Soviet Siberian Fortress codenamed Bitterfrost.
At night, Ross and Betty have a nice father-daughter moment. Ross believes Glenn is alive and gives her hopes they will bring him back.
The next day, Ross tells Banner he is not allowed in the rescue team. But Banner sneaks into the rear of the aircraft, out of nobility to Betty since he wants her to be happy with her new husband.
The plane is spotted by the Gremlin, the Soviet villain scientist in charge of the fortress that keeps Talbot a prisoner. As the plane takes evasive action from missiles, Bruce turns into the Hulk and frees himself, dropping to the ground.
Landing near the villain's fortress, Ross, Quartermain and their team sneak in. Gremlin sounds the alarm as a drugged Glenn Talbot, who grew a beard, is rescued by Ross and Quartermain from a prison cell. The Hulk, reaching the installation, is attacked by a Soviet army and Super Troopers, an armor-clad squadron. Hulk beats them until they employ electro-stasis rifles which render the Hulk unconscious.
Meanwhile, Ross, Quartermain and their team make their escape. Ross hands Talbot a pistol. Surprisingly, he points it at Ross proclaiming himself as Gregori Kronski, a man under the command of the Gremlin!